What do you know about the Aprilia Caponord?

[The_Abyss]

I'm off to see one on Thursday, having gotten over the fact that the 2013 Multistradas are stubbornly refusing to come down in price (they started way over the top anyway). I don't like the BMW Enduro range - they're too off-road - the Triumph Explorer looks too basic as does the KTM.

The Caponord certainly isn't the best looking bike ever made but it seems to have some decent power, good luggage ability with the travel pack, and everyone seems to be raving about the ADD active suspension.

Anyone had any experience with one?

 

[The_Abyss]

Well, in answer to my own question, I do now. I picked it up this afternoon.



Aprilia Caponord by Greg Kingston, on Flickr



Aprilia Caponord by Greg Kingston, on Flickr

Show here with the panniers on, 10 minutes after I got it back home.

First impressions are really good. There's so much torque available, and the active suspension really does just remove all minor blemishes from the road without losing the front end feel. The wind protection is not complete, but certainly good enough to cover good distances when combined with a comfortable riding position.

 

[The_Abyss]

Thanks for the comments chaps.

I've had a couple more rides now and, although biased as this is the largest bike I've owned, I'm still rather taken aback by both the low down power and also the ride. The active suspension is just incredible.

With quite a detuned engine - 125 bhp from 1200 cc - and a few years now of Aprilia experience between me and a couple of mates, I'm not really too concerned about reliability for a longer tour. That's the whole point of this bike - I'd become fed up of shorter, repeated local trips and wanted something more suitable for three or four longer tours each year instead.

I'll get used to it over the summer, and then we're off down through France, over the western Alps and into Switzerland in September, followed hopefully by Spain in February to Jerez for another round of F1 pre-season testing.

 

[The_Abyss]

My trusty Canon 5D Mk 2, combined with the Canon 50 mm 1.4. I don't use that lens often enough - stunning clarity at f/1.8 upwards.

I'd love to upgrade to the 5D Mk 3 but sadly just don't take sufficient pictures these days to make it worthwhile, plus I don't think I'm really experienced enough to get the most out of the camera.